He has partied in a castle with European royalty, learned to salsa in Trinidad and almost got his luggage nicked by a rock band. Christopher Rawbone-Viljoen, 28, travelled the globe before coming back home to work in the family business as head of marketing at Oak Valley Estate, in Elgin, which produces flowers, wine and pork products.
His travels have taken him across Europe, North America, the Caribbean, Australia and Southern Africa. He says his most memorable experience in Europe was in Germany when he and friends were invited to Countess Olympia Arco of Bavaria’s 18th birthday party in the family castle.
“It was a two-day affair. They had the best Champagne. On one night, there was a party with a carnival theme among the castle’s Roman ruins with live bands. It was awesome. We were the only misters on a guest list of European royalty.”
Another highlight of his travels was the time spent working in the financial sector in Tortala in the British Virgin Islands for two years.
“With a population of only 25 000, there is only one town in Tortala – Road Town. It’s certainly nothing to brag about. But, the beauty of the Virgin Islands lies in its beaches, its pristine coastline, turquoise waters, the quirky little bars and great restaurants that are dotted around the islands.”
He says visitors should organise a sailing trip and visit the Baths in Virgin Gorda, sneak a peak of Necker Island – the home of Sir Richard Branson – scuba dive on the Rhone wreck, spend a weekend in Anegada eating fresh lobsters in Loblolly Bay, and cap it all with a few drinks at the floating pub called the William Thornton. “If you dive off the top deck in your birthday suit you win a free t-shirt. They dish them out like sweets.”
His best holiday so far was in Cuba. “The island offers visitors a unique experience. Time has stood still since the 1960s and the old Spanish colonial buildings still possess a mesmerising charm despite their derelict state. The Cubans are very friendly despite the poverty.
“I loved Trinidad, on Cuba’s south coast… its cobbled stone streets, salsa dancing in the square. You live with a local family and learn all about this World Heritage site and its culture. It’s a must-see.”
His worst travel experience was aboard a Cubana Airlines flight from Cuba to the Dominican Republic. “Statistically, it’s the most dangerous airline in the world. After being delayed in Havana for three days because of Hurricane Noel, we were finally given the go-ahead to take off.
“An hour into the flight something went wrong and we started falling. People were screaming, praying and someone had a panic attack. I just felt pure terror, none of that life flashing before your eyes that people talk about. We eventually landed safely, but considered ourselves very lucky. Tip to travellers: don’t book on Cubana.”
On another journey, he was flying from Perth to Adelaide in Australia, and was seated next to members of the rock band Fleetwood Mac. A keen fan, Rawbone-Viljoen chatted away to the band members. Later, he waited for his bag on the carousal. “I waited and waited. Eventually, I was the last man standing and out of the corner of my eye I noticed my bag being loaded aboard the Fleetwood Mac tour bus. Stevie Nicks almost stole my underwear. What an honour.”
His favourite restaurants are Sabatini’s in Rome, known for its seafood; La Tupina in Bordeaux; The Last Resort in the Virgin Islands and La Guarida in Havana.
As a seasoned traveller, he offers this bit of advice: “The best places are often referred by word of mouth. Trust other travellers to point you in the right direction.” - Weekend Argus